by Jeff Jawer

Moods are clearly mixed with the Moon in changeable Gemini this Valentine's Day. The mental energies of five planets in Air signs suggest a light and playful environment, rather than one saturated with sentiment and emotion. But all is not breezy with Venus, the planet of love, in serious Capricorn. Her desire for a well-planned evening may be unfulfilled, because the Gemini Moon and its airy cohorts favor last-minute changes. Differences of opinion may arise that will require humor and generosity to overcome two very different ways to honor love.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Your key planet Mars is in playful Gemini on Valentine's Day, which is better for having fun with a group of people than spending quiet time with one special individual. Even if you're committed to some private moments with your sweetie, you can count on having some interruptions. Reduce the risk of disappointment by making this an easygoing day instead of a tightly orchestrated seduction. If you can keep a relationship from unraveling, you're doing a good job now. However, if you have an adventurous and open-minded partner, doing something completely new and different is likely to give your relationship a boost.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
You like your routine, Taurus, and are not usually a fan of surprises, especially when it comes to your primary relationship. Venus, your ruling planet, is in orderly Capricorn, tempting you to make this a somewhat formal day. Dinner in a fancy restaurant and an expensive gift might suit your taste. However, the stars are unlikely to allow such a well-organized celebration. Like pesky younger siblings who keep coming into the room when romance is rising, circumstances may be beyond your control today. If your fancy dinner reservation falls through, being flexible enough to enjoy a burger with your partner can be a real tribute to love.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
The Moon in your sign today can make this a moody Valentine's Day. Light moments of playful delight can quickly shift to darker tones as humor gets edgy. Give yourself plenty of latitude for changing feelings. If you're boxed into a situation where you have to play it straight all the time, you won't be a happy camper. Putting friendship before romance can take off some of the pressure to create a magical environment that might be beyond reach now. Use this time to chat and share feelings instead of dreaming about the mystical union of two hearts as one.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
It's not that your special person doesn't care, it's just that the deep cuddly feeling you desire may be hard to come by today. Yes, this is the one day of the year when love is celebrated, but the planets are conspiring to keep this from being the transcendent experience you desire. Simply enjoying the companionship of someone without trying to force a romantic mood will make this a much more pleasant time. There are plenty of other opportunities to have that heartfelt connection you desire. Taking things lightly now may not be thrilling, but it's better than getting heavy with disappointment.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Work could get in the way of play today, even if you've carved out some time to celebrate your relationship. The good news is that it doesn't take long to make a connection that shows how much you care. It's not the amount of time that really matters but the quality of feeling that you're able to share. A quick surprise or a little gift can break through the clouds of this busy day to shine a bright light of hope that raises your spirits. It's not the money or total time you spend, but the directness of the contact you make that counts.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
It may be hard to find space to be romantic when you're juggling so many balls in the air, as you are now. A celebration of love worthy of the name requires some leisure time to warm up and get closer with your partner. It's best not to force that kind of mood now if you really can't slow down long enough to enjoy it. Yes, recognizing the feelings you have and being recognized yourself is important, yet it doesn't require an elaborate ritual, fancy presents or the best restaurant in town. If you really care, make a date for another day when you'll feel freer to express your feelings.